Players stop for a water break as the Homeschool Lions, based out of Noblesville, practice Tuesday Sept. 24, 2013.

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Under a shade tree near the sprawling expanse of practice field outside Castleview Baptist Church, coach Norm Tate stood talking about the growth of the Lions Home School Football Club in the decade since it was established.

Tate, a police officer in Fishers by day, explained that his players are primarily from Marion and Hamilton counties, but weren't restricted to those areas. They also come from Brownsburg, Avon, Zionsville and elsewhere to practice four days a week near 86th Street and Hague Road.

Tate then took a glance at his watch and called out to one of his assistants: "Hey coach, is ...